HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-13-PB-FINALTOWN OF ULYSSES
PLANNING BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Approved: July 18, 2017
Present: Chair David Blake, and board members David Tyler, John Wertis and Sara Worden.
Rebecca Schneider and Benjamin LeWalter were excused.
Public in Attendance: Eight community members attended the work session.
Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.
Agenda Review: Mr. Blake said the evening's lone agenda item was the consideration of
whether or not the Planning Board would offer specific comments to the Town Board of Zoning
Appeals regarding the variance application for the Inn at Taughannock project, and, if so, what
the nature of those comments would be.
Mr. Wertis said the question of communication with the BZA has been considered over the
course of two or three meetings. He pointed to previous language proposed by David Tyler and
said he would support forwarding it along to the BZA. He added he believes the BZA is the
responsible party in handling the variance requests and would encourage them to apply the five
criteria fairly. He read those five criteria and said that it is not his role, as a Planning Board
member, to weigh these parameters. He suggested further language be added to Mr. Tyler's
message, stating that the Planning Board trusts in the Town BZA that they will apply the five
criteria appropriately.
Mr. Tyler said he spoke with Town Attorney, Mariette Geldenhuys, who said she would be
providing comments to the BZA.
Offering his thoughts, Mr. Blake said he wants to keep the communication between the two
boards open. However, the Planning Board could wade too deeply into areas that are not the
Board's responsibility. His feeling was to simply support the BZA in carrying out its duties.
Further discussion ensued regarding specifics of the language.
Mr. Wertis MADE the MOTION to accept the proposed message and forward it to the BZA, and
Mr. Blake SECONDED the MOTION as follows:
`Be it resolved, the Planning Board wishes to communicate the following to the Town Board of
Zoning Appeals:
"Upon consideration of the Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan and the application from the
Inn at Taughannock for numerous variance requests, the Town of Ulysses Planning Board wishes
Planning Board 2
June 13, 2017
to communicate that it recognizes the gravity of the BZA's job and its appreciation for their work
as volunteers in applying the New York Town Law on the Town's behalf.
"It should be noted the Planning Board heard from concerned citizens at its regularly scheduled
meeting on June 6, 2017 as part of the Privilege of the Floor and has subsequently received
written communication, all of which has been shared with the BZA.
"We will follow with interest your progress on this matter.
"Respectfully submitted by Board Chair David Blake, David Tyler, John Wertis, and Sara
Worden."
The vote was as follows:
Mr. Blake
AYE
Mr. Tyler
AYE
Mr. Wertis
AYE
Ms. Worden
AYE
Results: Resolution passed.
Mr. Tyler MADE the MOTION to adjourn the meeting, and Mr. Blake SECONDED the
MOTION. The motion was unanimously carried, 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Louis A. DiPietro II on June 21, 2017.